Lady Gaga’sBorn This Wayalbum cover is either a crime against good taste and judgement, or a high-camp homage to the artwork hawked by metal bands in the ’80s. Either way, it set the tone for an era that, at least momentarily, stalled Mother Monster’s career juggernaut with its sheer excess and self-indulgence. The thing is — there were better options, as recently surfaced outtakes from the LP photo shoot prove.

You think that half-woman/half-motorbike monstrosity was hot? Wait until you see the 28-year-old serving alien stripper — complete with facial implants and lucite stilettos! There’s also a snap of Gaga wrapped in an American flag and a simple beauty shot. All three pics are amazing and would have generated the outrage/publicity she was obviously craving at the time. Click through the gallery up top.